IRVING, Texas (April 28, 2005) -- Fullback Richie Anderson, always one of coach Bill Parcells' favorite players, was released by the Dallas Cowboys.

Anderson ended last season on injured reserve with a pinched nerve in his neck and had neck surgery last week that will require a recovery of at least five months. The 33-year-old Anderson has played 13 NFL seasons.

Dallas also released receiver Randal Williams, a special teams player whose biggest play in four seasons was returning an onside kick attempt by Philadelphia 37 yards for a touchdown to start a 2003 game. He had just one catch for 14 yards in his career, and carried once for 13 yards.

The Cowboys also signed 16 free agent rookies in advance of their minicamp that runs late this week.

Anderson played in just 12 games last season, missing time with a sprained knee and lingering effects from a concussion before going on the injured list the week of the finale.

Primarily a third-down back, Anderson had 57 carries for 246 yards and one touchdown and caught 26 passes for 207 yards last season, his second with the Cowboys. He played from 1993-2002 with the New York Jets, where he also played for Parcells.

Anderson started 82 of his 161 career games. He ended with 318 carries for 1,274 yards and four touchdowns and 400 receptions for 3,149 yards and 14 TDs.

Dallas signed linebackers Jon Condo, Roger Cooper, Mike Goolsby and Claude Sanders, tight ends Tony Curtis and Duncan Reid, tackles Harvey Dahl and Sam Wilder, fullback Jonathon Evans, wide receivers Reggie Harrell and Jamaica Rector, defensive tackle Thomas Johnson, safety Dominique Price, guard/center Matthew Tarullo, running back Tyson Thompson and kicker Brett Visintainer.